Hours before the special session scheduled today, June 17, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano indicated acceptance of an imminent leadership change in the Senate, signaling that a new Senate President is likely to be elected by the chamber.
In a Facebook post, Cayetano said he would no longer oppose the expected vote, noting that the bloc aligned with Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian appears to have secured the numbers needed to install a new Senate leadership.
“And now after speaking with Sen. Joel Villanueva, it appears our colleagues on the other side will soon have the numbers to elect a new Senate President. I will not stand in the way of that vote,” Cayetano said, adding that no leadership position is permanent in a democracy and that public office is “a loan, never a possession.”
He also extended early congratulations and pledged cooperation with whoever is elected, while reflecting on his tenure as Senate President.
“To whoever this chamber lawfully elects, I extend my congratulations and my cooperation in advance,” he said.
Cayetano likewise emphasized that while leadership changes, accountability efforts will continue, vowing to pursue those allegedly responsible for irregularities under investigation.
“Offices are temporary, titles are temporary, even majorities are temporary — but your right to the truth is not,” he said. “We will get to the bottom of this. We will find the masterminds. We will hold them accountable.”